How much teachers in South Africa earn
All may not be what it seems regarding teachers' salaries in South Africa...
The Department of Basic Education published an annual salary adjustment report for teachers in South Africa, which showed that teachers' salaries range significantly based on qualification, experience, and seniority.
Based on this report, the lowest salary scale for educators is R154,671 per year, while the highest salary is R1.209-million.
According to Business Tech, salaries for educators can reach up to a maximum of R1.6-million when considering inclusive packages.
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Teachers' salaries are based on their notch on the salary scales published in the Government Gazette.
A teacher's notch is based on their relevant qualifications and years of experience.
A teacher with matric and four years of university education would enter their public service on Notch 164, for example.
Notch 164 means they would earn a basic salary of about R333,624 for their first year of employment.
Teachers who meet minimum performance requirements move up a salary notch while in government service each year.
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Like with many other jobs, this means that as teacher's experience grows, so does their salary.
Promotions also mean that teachers move up a notch, which means department heads, deputy principals, and principals earn much more than ordinary teachers with the same qualifications.
Business Tech reports that teachers’ pay packages also include a list of other benefits like:
- Employer pension contribution, equal to 13% of their basic salary.
- A thirteenth cheque.
- Teachers who submit to the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) receive a subsidy for medical aid.
- Teachers may also apply for a housing allowance of around R1,500 per month.
Below are teachers' salaries based on their Relative Equivalent Qualification Value (REQV) and notches:
Note that these amounts are estimates and only show the high-end salaries of school principals, which can be much lower for smaller schools.
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